Dollar Car Hire
Gander

On arrival at Gander International Airport, the car rental desks are conveniently situated within the main terminal building. After collecting your baggage, proceed to the arrivals hall where the desks are clearly signed. The Dollar desk is located in this area, making the transfer from your flight straightforward. Once you have completed the rental agreement, a member of staff will direct you to your vehicle, which is parked in a designated lot a short walk from the terminal exit.

For a smooth late-night pickup at Gander Airport, have your reservation details and required documents ready before you approach the desk. Make sure your flight number is included in your booking, as this helps the rental staff anticipate delays. Once you land, head straight to the rental desk in the terminal to complete the paperwork. Having a pre-planned route to your hotel on your phone or a GPS device will also save time, enabling you to get on the road and to your accommodation efficiently after a long day of travel.

When renting a car in Newfoundland as a US traveller, be prepared to present a valid, unexpired driving licence issued by your home state. In addition, your passport will be required as a primary form of identification for international travel. It is standard for these documents to be in the name of the primary driver and any additional drivers. To ensure a seamless process, it’s good practice to confirm any specific documentation requirements with the rental agency before your arrival at Gander Airport.

Immediately after leaving Gander International Airport, you will be driving on well-maintained town streets. The airport is very close to the town of Gander, so you’ll use local roads for a few minutes to reach your hotel or local services. The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) is only a short drive away, providing easy access to the main route for exploring the rest of the island. This initial drive is straightforward and a good chance to get comfortable with your hire car before setting off on longer motorway journeys.

The drive from Gander International Airport (YQX) to Gander’s main downtown area is very quick, typically taking about 5 to 10 minutes. The easiest route is to exit the airport onto the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) for a short distance, then take the exit for Route 330, also known as Elizabeth Drive, which leads directly into the town centre. The route is well signposted, making for a simple and stress-free start to your time in central Newfoundland.

Gander is an excellent central base for exploring much of Newfoundland without changing accommodation each night. Its position on the Trans-Canada Highway makes it ideal for day trips in several directions. For example, you can drive to the scenic coastal town of Twillingate to the north or explore the landscapes of Terra Nova National Park to the east. Both are manageable as day trips, allowing you to return to your Gander lodging in the evening.

For a first-time visitor, the drive from Gander to Twillingate is direct and scenic. Start on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) east for a short distance, then take Exit 26 onto Route 330 North. Follow Route 330, which connects to Route 331 and finally Route 340, known as the Road to the Isles. The journey is well signed, passing through several small communities before you reach Twillingate. The drive takes about an hour and a half and offers attractive coastal views.

When visiting Terra Nova National Park from Gander, the most accessible entrance is the park’s main East Entrance. Drive east on the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1) for approximately 45 to 60 minutes. The highway runs directly through the park and the turn-off for the Visitor Centre and Newman Sound is clearly marked. This area provides access to many walking trails, campgrounds and coastal viewpoints, making it a good starting point for a day of exploration.

The Trans-Canada Highway (TCH) around Gander is primarily a two-lane road with occasional passing lanes on hills and long straights. Be patient and use these designated passing lanes rather than attempting to overtake on a solid line. The highway is generally well maintained, but always be aware of your surroundings. Services such as petrol stations and restaurants are concentrated in towns like Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor, so plan fuel and food stops accordingly as there can be long stretches with limited facilities.

When driving from Gander to smaller coastal communities, it’s good practice to start with a full tank of petrol. While major towns along the Trans-Canada Highway have reliable services, fuel stations can become infrequent once you turn off onto smaller routes to outport towns. A sensible rule is to top up whenever you have the opportunity at a larger service centre, even if you're not near empty. This ensures you can take scenic detours and explore remote coastlines without worrying about running low on fuel.

Driving at night in central Newfoundland can be challenging as most highways and rural roads outside towns are not lit. Darkness reduces visibility significantly, particularly on winding or hilly sections. Drive at a reduced speed and use your high beams where there is no oncoming traffic. Be especially vigilant for wildlife, such as moose, which are often hard to spot and can cross the road unexpectedly. Where possible, plan long-distance journeys for daylight hours.

Moose are very common on roads in Newfoundland, including the Trans-Canada Highway near Gander, and are a significant driving hazard. Locals are highly cautious, particularly at dawn and dusk when moose are most active. Reduce your speed and scan ditches and treelines on both sides of the road for any movement. If you spot a moose, slow right down and be prepared to stop, as they can be unpredictable and are often followed by others.

When encountering Newfoundland’s frequent fog or heavy rain, the most important adjustment is to reduce your speed to match visibility conditions. Turn on your full headlights rather than just daytime running lights to make your vehicle more visible. Avoid using high beams in dense fog, as the light will reflect back and worsen visibility. Increase the following distance and, if conditions become severe, find a safe place to pull completely off the road and wait for conditions to improve.

Yes, it is common for mobile coverage to be intermittent or unavailable once you leave major towns and travel on highways or rural routes in central Newfoundland. While coverage in Gander itself is reliable, don’t rely solely on your phone for navigation on day trips. Download maps of the area for offline use in your preferred navigation app before you set off. Having a physical map as a backup is also a sensible plan when exploring more remote coastal areas.

To explore the Bonavista Peninsula from Gander without feeling rushed, allocate at least two full days to the trip, ideally with an overnight stay in Bonavista or Trinity. On the first day, drive from Gander through Terra Nova National Park, making a few scenic stops before continuing to the peninsula. This lets you spend the afternoon and the following day exploring Trinity’s historic sites, the lighthouse at Cape Bonavista and the puffin colony at Elliston, avoiding a tiring round trip in one day.

Budget around three and a half to four hours for the direct drive from Gander to St John's along the Trans-Canada Highway. This allows a comfortable pace without extended stops. Good break points include Clarenville, roughly halfway with plenty of restaurants and services. Another nice option is the scenic town of Brigus, a short detour as you approach St John's, offering a pleasant place to stretch your legs.

During iceberg and whale season, one of the best drives from Gander is north along the Road to the Isles (Route 340) to Twillingate, known as the 'Iceberg Capital of the World.' This route offers many coastal pull-offs and viewpoints for spotting icebergs and whales from shore. Another option is to head east to the Bonavista Peninsula. Drives to Bonavista and Elliston provide access to dramatic coastlines that are prime spots for viewing both icebergs and marine wildlife.

Yes, like many areas with harsh winters, Newfoundland has a 'pothole season' in spring as the ground thaws, so drivers should be extra vigilant at that time. The main road‑work season runs through the summer months, roughly June to September, when weather is best for repairs. Crews aim to minimise disruption on the Trans‑Canada Highway, but you may encounter lane reductions or brief delays. Factor in a bit of extra travel time in summer for potential construction.

Before leaving the rental lot at Gander Airport, a few quick checks will help prepare you for Newfoundland’s variable conditions. Visually inspect the tyres for correct inflation and adequate tread, important for wet roads. Test the headlights, high beams and indicators to ensure they work for night driving or fog. Finally, operate the windscreen wipers and check the washer fluid level, as rain and road spray are common. These simple checks increase safety and confidence on the road.

The best approach is to keep luggage completely out of sight in the boot. Before you start the day, pack the car so all bags and valuables are secured in the boot or, in an SUV, under the cargo cover. This avoids having to rearrange possessions at public viewpoints, which can attract unwanted attention. Always lock your vehicle and take essentials like wallet, phone and passport with you when you leave the car to explore.

Most hotels and motels in Gander offer ample complimentary parking for guests, typically in large open lots directly outside the building. This makes loading and unloading luggage very convenient. During winter, many accommodations also provide posts with electrical outlets in the car park for plugging in your vehicle’s block heater. This is common in the area to ensure vehicles will start reliably in very cold temperatures—ask at check‑in if you need this.

Although Gander International Airport is smaller and generally efficient, it’s wise to plan your car return with plenty of time. For a morning flight, aim to arrive at the airport at least 90 minutes to two hours before departure. This gives a comfortable buffer to return the vehicle, complete the final inspection, walk to the terminal, check in with your airline and clear security without rushing.

The car rental return process at Gander Airport is straightforward. As you approach the airport, follow the clear signage for 'Rental Car Return'. These signs lead to a designated parking area for rental vehicles, usually close to the main terminal building. Park in the spot assigned to your rental company, collect your belongings and head inside to the rental counter to drop off the keys and finalise the return.

A practical meetup plan for a group arriving on different flights is to designate a specific, easy‑to‑find spot inside the Gander terminal. The baggage claim area or the seating near the rental car desks are both good choices. This allows everyone to gather their luggage and meet in one place before the nominated driver goes to the rental counter to pick up the vehicle. Communicating by text on arrival helps coordinate timing for a smooth start.

After picking up your rental car in Gander, there are several convenient options for food and groceries a short drive from the airport. The town has major supermarkets where you can stock up on snacks, drinks and supplies for your trip. There are also numerous fast‑food and sit‑down restaurants along main roads such as Elizabeth Drive, which are easily accessible and handy for grabbing a meal before heading to your hotel or on a longer drive.

A trip to Fogo Island from Gander requires careful planning and is best undertaken as an overnight excursion rather than a day trip. You’ll need to drive from Gander to the ferry terminal at Farewell, which takes about an hour and a half. Account for the ferry schedule and crossing time to the island. To appreciate Fogo’s unique landscape and communities, plan to spend at least one night there, giving you a full day to explore before taking the ferry back and driving to Gander the next day.

When planning a drive from Gander to a ferry terminal, such as Farewell for Fogo and Change Islands, check the ferry timetable well in advance. Aim to arrive at the terminal at least an hour before departure, as loading is on a first‑come, first‑served basis and queues can form in peak season. Factor in the roughly 90‑minute drive from Gander to Farewell and allow a buffer for unexpected delays to reduce the risk of missing your sailing.

Driving in Newfoundland is very similar to driving in the US, with most rules familiar. One key difference is that all speeds and distances on road signs are in kilometres and kilometres per hour (km/h), not miles. Your hire car’s speedometer will show both, but pay attention to the metric units on signs. Otherwise, standard traffic rules for lane discipline, turning and stopping are largely the same, so the adjustment is straightforward for US visitors.

The typical speed limit on the Trans‑Canada Highway in Newfoundland, including sections around Gander, is 100 km/h (about 62 mph). However, the limit can be lower in certain areas, such as construction zones or sections with sharp bends, so always watch for posted signs. Speed limits are enforced by law enforcement and patrols are common on main highways. Driving at or near the posted limit is the safest approach to avoid issues.

A good option for a manageable scenic loop from Gander is the 'Road to the Isles' drive. Head north towards Twillingate and visit the Long Point Lighthouse, which offers spectacular coastal views. On the return you can take a slightly different route through small communities such as Boyd’s Cove for variety. The whole loop can be completed in about four to five hours’ driving time, leaving plenty of time for photos, a meal and exploring the lighthouse grounds without feeling rushed.

When travelling with children from Gander, plan breaks every 90 minutes to two hours to keep everyone comfortable. Look for stops offering more than a petrol station, such as a town park, a beach or a picnic area where kids can run around. Terra Nova National Park, for example, has visitor centres and short, easy trails ideal for family breaks. Pacing the day with a mix of driving and active stops makes the journey more enjoyable for the whole family.

Winter driving around Gander can be challenging and requires caution, especially for those unfamiliar with the conditions. Major routes like the Trans‑Canada Highway are prioritised for snow clearing, but conditions can change rapidly due to drifting snow and high winds. Black ice is a common hazard, particularly in the morning and evening on bridges and shaded areas. Visitors should use a vehicle with winter tyres, reduce speed significantly and always check weather and road reports before setting out.

When a significant winter storm or high‑wind event is forecast in central Newfoundland, the safest decision is usually to delay your drive. Local authorities often advise against non‑essential travel during severe weather and road closures can occur with little notice. Driving through can be dangerous due to whiteout conditions, icy roads and the risk of becoming stranded. Stay put, monitor official weather and road condition reports, and wait until the storm has passed and ploughs have cleared the highways.

The town of Gander itself is an excellent place to get comfortable with your hire car. Local streets are wide, well maintained and usually have light traffic outside peak times. Take a short drive around residential areas or the large car parks of shopping centres to get a feel for handling, braking and vehicle size. This low‑pressure environment lets you adjust mirrors and seating and build confidence before merging onto the faster Trans‑Canada Highway.

To plan an effective one‑way trip from Gander, travellers often break the journey into manageable segments. For St John’s, plan a stop in Terra Nova National Park and perhaps on the Bonavista or Avalon Peninsulas. Heading west to Deer Lake, a key stop is Gros Morne National Park, which requires at least a couple of days to explore properly. Research points of interest along the Trans‑Canada Highway and allocate overnight stays near major attractions to see the sights without a gruelling single‑day drive.

When exploring Newfoundland’s small outport communities, a smart strategy is to use facilities whenever you spot them. Petrol stations and visitor information centres in larger towns along your route are the most reliable places for public toilets. Many small outports may have limited or no public facilities. It’s also wise to carry water and snacks, as cafés or shops can be few and far between. Plan your route to include slightly larger service centres for breaks to keep the day comfortable.

While most main routes are paved, access roads to many trailheads, parks and scenic spots in Newfoundland can be unpaved gravel roads. These are typically passable in a standard hire car, but drive slowly and cautiously to avoid chipping paint or losing traction. Expect narrower and potentially rougher roads than you might be used to. Before heading to a remote trail, check recent trail reports or local guidance for information on the current condition of the access road.

To avoid being directed onto unsuitable roads by your GPS, stick to the numbered provincial highways shown on official maps. If your navigation app suggests a shortcut via a minor unnamed road, be wary—it could be a private logging road or an unmaintained track. Cross‑reference your GPS route with a paper map or a reliable digital map in satellite view to ensure you remain on public, well‑travelled roads. If a route looks questionable, it’s safer to stay on the main highway.

The most efficient way to combine these destinations is to plan a logical one‑way loop over two or more days. From Gander, drive east on the Trans‑Canada Highway to explore the southern portion of Terra Nova National Park first. Then continue east to Clarenville and take Route 230 onto the Bonavista Peninsula to visit Trinity and Bonavista. On the return, use Route 233 to reconnect with the Trans‑Canada Highway, allowing you to drive through the northern section of Terra Nova and complete a scenic, comprehensive tour.